Summary
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urged 39 states to stop redirecting Social Security benefits meant for foster children to cover state expenses. The department aims to ensure these benefits support the children's needs and help them transition to adulthood.
Key Facts
- The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) sent letters to 39 governors about the policy change.
- States often use foster children's Social Security survivor benefits to cover foster care costs.
- The ACF wants these benefits to be used for the children's unmet needs and future.
- Approximately 27,000 foster children receive Social Security benefits.
- Eleven states have already changed their policies to protect these benefits for the children.
- The ACF and Social Security Administration plan to work with states to stop this practice.
- President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. support the initiative to protect foster children's benefits.
